The Artisan's Wife

by Judith Miller

  Ainslee tapped her foot beneath the desk, her thoughts whirring in time with her tapping foot. “What about depictions of important events in this country’s history, such as the arrival of Christopher Columbus and his three ships, the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock, the settling of Jamestown, the Revolutionary War? Or if you didn’t want to do that, you could portray various occupations—everything from farming to coal mining to glassblowing or shoemaking. You could also consider simple drawings of various scenes in the Bible, such as Adam and Eve in the garden or Moses holding the Ten Commandments. Could any of those ideas be simplified enough for your mosaics?”

  The storm passed as they continued to talk, and bright afternoon sun radiated through the office windows. Countless raindrops glistened in the sunlight and seemed to wink their approval as they discussed their plans. Much depended upon Levi, since he was the one with the true artistic talent and requisite knowledge to create the tiles. While they talked, he nodded and jotted notes on a piece of paper.

  After Ewan and Ainslee had given him numerous ideas, Levi leaned back in his chair. “All of these ideas are good and I can make sketches that would work, but do you know how large the museum will be? Have you seen any plans for the building?”

  “Nay, I’ve no idea about the size or type of construction he’s planned. Those are questions we’ll need to have him answer when he comes to Weston.”

  Ainslee didn’t miss her brother’s reference to “we” when he answered Levi. Did he think her unable to proceed with the negotiations without him? “Are you planning to remain until Mr. Harrington arrives next week, Ewan?”

  “That was my plan.” He hesitated. “Unless the two of you prefer to meet with him alone.”

  Levi folded the piece of paper and tucked it into his shirt pocket. “I would like for you to be here, Mr. McKay. You have years of business experience. I’m an artist and tile maker, so I’ll be pleased to discuss the designs and tile-making process with him if you and your sister will handle the business portion of our talks.”

  Ewan turned his hands palm side up. “And what would you like me to do, Ainslee? I trust your ability to negotiate with Mr. Harrington, but since I know him, I thought I could help win him over if needed. However, if you prefer to handle this on your own, I’m willing.”

  Her brother must have detected the reservation in her voice when she’d asked if he was planning to stay. Now that she’d received assurance of his belief in her abilities, she wanted him to stay. “I think it’s best if you attend the meeting with Mr. Harrington. I’m certain he’ll expect you to be present, and he may not be as willing to do business with a woman.” She offered him a half smile. “Not all men are as forward thinking as you.”

  “I’m glad you’ve agreed to have me stay because I planned to send a telegram to Laura and ask her to bring Tessa to Weston for a short visit.”

  Ainslee perked to attention. She’d been longing to see the rest of the family. “That would be wonderful. What about Grandmother Woodfield? Do you think she might come as well?”

  “Nay. Her pleurisy is much better so she has returned to Woodfield Manor for the summer. She still enjoys time in Bartlett and doesn’t want the house to sit empty all year.”

  “I’m pleased for that news. I know she misses her friends—and her house in Bartlett.” Ainslee thought of the huge library in Woodfield Manor. “I may write her a letter and ask her if she’ll go through her library and see if she wants to donate some of her books to the asylum.”

  Ewan nodded. “She’ll probably light a fire under her ladies’ group and convince them to donate some of their books, as well.”

  “That would be wonderful.” Ainslee would have clapped her hands if one of them hadn’t been bandaged. “Perhaps one of you could help me write a letter this evening.”

  Levi nodded and pushed up from his chair. “I think I should get back to cutting tiles. I’ve been gone for quite some time.”

  Ewan stayed him with a shake of his head. “I think you need to prepare drawings we can present to Josiah. The next six days will go by quickly and you want the sketches you present to impress him. Is there no one else who knows how to operate the cutting machine?”

  Levi turned toward Ainslee. “Not your sister.” When their laughter had subsided, Levi hiked a shoulder. “There is no one else who has been properly trained to operate the cutter. I could teach one of the men, but they are all needed to perform their own duties. Perhaps we could see if one of the diggers is available, but they usually go to work in the mines during off-season.”

  Ewan massaged his forehead. “I’ve performed almost every job in a brickyard and can even do a few of the jobs in the pottery. Why don’t you teach me, and I’ll do the cutting while you work on the drawings? I have nothing else to occupy my time until Mr. Harrington arrives.”

  Ainslee leaned forward and looked at her brother. “If you want to learn, I think it would be fine for Levi to train you. However, if we’re definitely going to produce the mosaics, doesn’t it make more sense to train someone who can remain at the job? I’m certain there are men who pack the tiles who would be pleased to be trained in cutting.”

  “You’re right.” Ewan touched his index finger to the side of his head. “You’re thinking ahead and considering the possibilities. That’s the sign of a good manager.” He got to his feet and laid his hand on Levi’s shoulder. “Until my sister finds the proper fellow, why don’t you begin by teaching me and then you can set to work on your drawings?”

  Levi tapped the pocket where he had placed his notes. “I know you said we’d need to wait and talk to Mr. Harrington about the size of the museum, but we didn’t make a decision about the theme. If you want me to begin the drawings, we’ll need to decide.”

  Ainslee pushed away from the desk. “Maybe it would be best to create a drawing that represents each of the ideas we presented. If he sees several ideas, it may make it easier for Mr. Harrington to choose.”

  “Or make it even more difficult.” Ewan chuckled. “Still, if it isn’t too hard, I think Ainslee’s idea is a good one. Do you think you can have the drawings ready for him by the time he arrives?”

  Levi nodded. “I’ll do my best. I know there is much to prepare before the meeting, but I promised to escort Ainslee to the doctor tomorrow and I also planned to look in on my brother while we were at the asylum. Since you’re here, I didn’t know if you planned to go with her.”

  Ewan shook his head. “I don’t want to interfere with any plans the two of you have made. Just show me to the cutting machine, give me a lesson, and I’ll see if I can manage the contraption any better than my sister did. I’m sure I can keep busy cutting while the two of you are at the asylum tomorrow.”

  Ainslee exchanged a fleeting smile with Levi. Having the doctor remove her bandage was vital to her work, but time alone with Levi was even more important, particularly for her heart.

  Chapter 16

  Once settled in the buggy, Levi flicked the reins and glanced at Ainslee. “Are you excited to see the doctor today?”

  Ainslee bobbed her head. “Yes. I don’t want to have my arm wrapped in this bandage when Laura and Tessa arrive. ’Twas bad enough that Ewan had to see it.”

  “Your brother’s slight brogue is beginning to rub off on you.” He grinned. “I like it.”

  “Do ya now? Well, if it’s a lass with an Irish lilt that pleases ya, then I’ll be doing me best to regain a brogue.” She grinned at him. “Have ye had yer fill of an Irish lass, Mr. Judson?”

  “Never.” The rhythm and inflection of her words caused his heart to sing. “I could listen to you all day. I don’t care if you speak with an Irish brogue or in a foreign tongue that I can’t understand. I just want to hear your voice and be alone with you for a while.” He placed his free hand atop hers.

  Her cheeks flamed red and she bowed her head, so he withdrew his hand. He hadn’t meant to embarrass her. His comments and actions had been far too intimate, and his words had spilled o
ut without warning. Her hand had been so near that it begged to be touched, but that was no excuse for his bold behavior. Anyone who looked into the buggy as they passed by could have seen his hand covering hers, and he didn’t want her to be the subject of gossip.

  Before Ewan’s arrival, the two of them had been together each evening while they maintained the ledgers and payroll. Since then, he’d had no time alone with Ainslee. Though it had been only two days, it seemed an eternity.

  “I’ve been longing for time alone with you, as well.” Her lips curved in an endearing smile that caused radiating warmth throughout his body. “I know helping me with the ledgers and all of my other office tasks has left you with little time to yourself, but I do miss seeing you each evening.”

  “I’m glad you’ve missed my visits, but I’m sure it’s been a pleasure having your brother at your side each evening.”

  Ainslee chuckled. “Having Ewan at my side is different. While I appreciate his advice and assistance, he sometimes forgets I’m the manager of the tile works and he reverts to acting as though I’m still a schoolgirl.”

  Levi grinned and gave a slight nod. He could understand Ewan’s dilemma. On the one hand he’d insisted his sister honor her obligation to manage the tile works. On the other hand, she would always be a little sister in need of his protection. Did most siblings experience that same protectiveness toward younger or more helpless brothers and sisters? Levi had possessed the distinct urge to safeguard Noah for as long as he could remember.

  “Don’t be too hard on your brother. I can see in his eyes how proud he is of all you’ve accomplished. When he questions your decisions or gives you advice, I think it is to make certain you’ll avoid any pitfalls in the future rather than questioning the decisions you’ve already made.”

  She leaned closer to him. “You always know how to make me feel better. I understand that it isn’t Ewan’s intent to be critical, but sometimes I need a reminder.”

  The warmth of her shoulder against his arm felt like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. He wished they could remain in the buggy like this for the remainder of the day, but the asylum soon came into view, and Ainslee straightened her shoulder. His arm now felt strange without the slight weight of her shoulder against him, and he longed for the warmth of her touch.

  Ainslee tugged at her gloves. “Why don’t you escort me inside and then go and visit Noah? I want you to have as much time as possible with him while we’re here.”

  Levi pushed aside thoughts of continuing onward and spending the entire day riding through the countryside with her by his side as he pulled back on the reins, set the brake, and jumped down from the buggy. After tying the horse to the iron hitching post, he hurried forward and extended his hands to help Ainslee down. Together they walked to the front entrance of the asylum and up the steps. Levi pulled open the heavy oak door and followed her down the hallway to Dr. Thorenson’s office.

  He knocked and stepped aside for Ainslee to enter. A sour-appearing nurse opened the door and looked at them as though they were another aggravation that had just been added to her day. “Which one of you is the patient?”

  Levi nearly laughed aloud. How could the nurse not have seen the bandage on Ainslee’s hand? “Miss McKay is the patient. Dr. Thorenson is expecting her.”

  The nurse grunted. “There’s nothing in his notes that indicate any new patients being admitted today. Beyond her hand, what’s the problem? Grief? Hysteria? Alcohol?”

  Ainslee stifled a laugh. “Do I appear to be a woman suffering from the abuse of alcohol or any other mental disease? I am here to have Dr. Thorenson examine my hand. Would you please tell him Miss McKay is here for her appointment?”

  The nurse appeared ruffled by her mistake and hurried from the room with a quick apology and promise to locate Dr. Thorenson. Immediately after the woman closed the door, they both burst into laughter.

  When Levi finally caught his breath, he pushed several strands of hair from his forehead. “I know being admitted into the asylum isn’t a laughing matter, but when she added the possibility that you might have a problem with alcohol, it was all I could do to keep a straight face. The poor woman is likely mortified.”

  “If nothing else, it erased that sour look from her face. By the time she escaped the room, she looked as though she’d been twisted in a strong wind.”

  Levi began to laugh once again but stopped when the door opened and Dr. Thorenson appeared. “Sounds as though you two are in good spirits.” When the doctor mentioned spirits, Ainslee burst into laughter. “I don’t know what I said that caused such laughter, but it’s good to see you are both enjoying yourselves.” He gestured toward Ainslee’s hand. “I hope you’ll be as jovial once we remove the bandage. Why don’t you come into the examination room and I’ll have a look.”

  The doctor stepped to the side to allow her entrance into the attached room. “Come on, Levi. I’m sure Ainslee thinks you should be present for the unveiling.” He glanced at her. “Don’t you, Ainslee?”

  “I’m happy for him to come along, but he was going to go and spend some time with Noah while we’re here. And since I can’t go into the men’s ward . . .” She let the sentence hang in the air.

  The doctor hesitated for only a moment. “While Levi goes to visit Noah, perhaps you could take time to meet with a couple of the patients. It won’t take long, but they, along with several others, have indicated a desire to meet you and learn more about the possibility of a library.”

  Levi nodded his agreement when Ainslee looked in his direction. The doctor’s suggestion would provide ample time to visit Noah, and Levi could still be present with Ainslee when the doctor checked her hand. He was pleased to hear that some of the patients had taken an interest in her project. She’d expressed a bit of concern when the nurses who directly worked with the ladies hadn’t included any of the patients in the earlier committee meeting.

  The doctor waved Levi forward. Once inside the room, Levi took a chair on the other side of the room. Ainslee sat on the edge of the wooden examination table and extended her hand to the doctor. When Dr. Thorenson reached forward and loosened the outer wrapping, Ainslee lifted her chin and looked at Levi, her eyes revealing unspoken fear.

  She’d been acting so unconcerned, but now he realized she’d been dreading today’s appointment. He forced a broad smile. “She’s been an excellent patient, Dr. Thorenson. I haven’t caught her attempting to use that hand at all.” He chuckled, hoping to lighten the mood. “Of course, with that huge bandage, you made it nearly impossible.”

  The doctor glanced over his shoulder. “That was my intention, Levi. I know a strong-willed woman when I see one.”

  Ainslee straightened her shoulders and exhaled an exasperated sigh. “I’m not strong-willed, merely determined.”

  “Ah, I see. I’m glad you straightened me out, Miss McKay.” The doctor slowly lifted the last of the bandage away from the wound and gave an affirmative nod. “I’d say you have healed well. The scar will diminish over time.”

  Levi pushed to his feet, eager to see. “It looks excellent. How does it feel? Can you move your fingers without pain? Is there any numbness?”

  The doctor turned toward Levi and grinned. “I think I’m the one who’s supposed to ask those questions.” Before Levi could apologize, Dr. Thorenson gestured for Ainslee to move her fingers. “Repeat the motions I make with my hand, and tell me when you have any pain.” The doctor made a fist and slowly extended each finger, one by one, and then his thumb.

  Until she extended her thumb, Ainslee had mimicked the motions without hesitation. “Ouch.” She winced and immediately turned her thumb inward. “Why does my thumb hurt when all of my other fingers feel fine?”

  “I expected you’d have the most trouble with your thumb. That’s why I waited until last to extend it. The cut you received was closer to the nerves near the thumb. I am hopeful that in time you’ll no longer have pain, but there’s no guarantee. However, since your hand has healed
so well, you won’t need the bandage any longer.” He reached out and helped her down from the table. “Why don’t you go in and have a seat at my desk?”

  Levi was confused by the doctor’s request, but he followed the two of them back into the adjacent room. Ainslee looked at him and shrugged her shoulders. Obviously, she didn’t know what to expect either. Dr. Thorenson withdrew a piece of paper from one of the desk drawers and placed it in front of Ainslee. He nodded to his pen and ink pot.

  “Please write your name on the paper so we can see how much impact the injury has had on your script.” He pushed the ink pot a bit closer, pulled a chair close to the desk, and gestured for her to begin.

  Ainslee penned her name and, beneath, she wrote:

  Thank you for restoring my ability to write, Dr. Thorenson.

  Levi’s heart soared when he viewed Ainslee’s handwriting. He didn’t realize that he, too, had been fearful she might not regain the full use of her hand. And though he’d warned her not to use the cutter, he still felt a modicum of responsibility that he’d left her in the cutting room without supervision.

  The doctor smiled. “You are most welcome, Miss McKay. I only wish it was as easy to restore my patients here in the asylum to wholeness.”

  The doctor’s kind words caused a thickness in Levi’s throat, and he swallowed hard to keep his emotions at bay. “I know how hard you try, Doctor. Unfortunately, there are no simple cures for what ails the patients in this asylum.” Levi forced a smile. “Since all is well here and you’ve completed the examination, I’ll go over and visit with Noah.”

  “I’ll have one of the orderlies come for you when Miss McKay has finished her meeting.”

  Ainslee lifted the pen in a triumphant wave. “Be sure you tell Noah about our new project and the drawings you’ve planned.”

  “I will.” Levi hurried out the front doors and circled around the building. Returning outside and circling to the side of the asylum was much faster than trying to follow the meandering hallways inside the building.